Brown treads a fine line in push to alter health law

Senator Scott Brown teamed up with a Democrat yesterday to file legislation allowing states to more quickly opt out of certain portions of President Obama’s health care plan — the Massachusetts Republican’s latest move to alter the controversial measure.

The move illustrates Brown’s attempt to work with Democrats to make targeted changes to the overhaul, even while top Republicans stirred by Tea Party fervor are largely focused only on repealing the entire law.

“We’re just going through it, trying to make it better. Trying to fix the problems,’’ Brown said in a brief interview. Asked about the contrast between his effort and that of many GOP colleagues who want to repeal the law, he said, “You should probably talk to them on that. Nice try.’’